Penitent Meaning
/ˈpɛnɪtənt/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
adjFeeling pain or sorrow on account of one's sins or offenses; feeling sincere guilt.
adjDoing penance.
Sentence Examples
The penitent thief confessed his crimes to the priest.
She had a humble and penitent expression on her face.
The penitent sinner prayed quietly in the church.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
After confessing his sins to the priest, the man appeared truly ____ and asked for forgiveness.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ criminal confessed his crimes to the priest and asked for forgiveness and guidance.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English, from Old French, from Latin paenitēns, poenitēns (“penitent”), present participle of paeniteō, poeniteō (“to cause to repent; to regret, repent”). Doublet of penitente.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite."
— 1671, John Milton, “(please specify the page)”, in Paradise Regain’d. A Poem. In IV Books. To which is Added, Samson Agonistes, London: […] J[ohn] M[acock] for John Starkey […], →OCLC:
"If thou be penitent and grieved, or desirous to be so, these heinous sins shall not be laid to thy charge."
— 1624, Democritus Junior [pseudonym; Robert Burton], The Anatomy of Melancholy: […], 2nd edition, Oxford, Oxfordshire: […] John Lichfield and James Short, for Henry Cripps, →OCLC:
"[…] But we that know what ’tis to faſt and pray, / Are penitent for your default to day."
— c. 1594 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Comedie of Errors”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene ii]:
"Wamba, who defeated the Saracens in an attempt upon Spain, was deprived of the crown, because he had been clothed in the habit of a penitent, while labouring under the influence of poison, administered by the ambitious Erviga!"
— 1837, William Russell, The History of Modern Europe: with an Account of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Longman, Rees, & Co., page 20:
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CEFR Practice Quiz
After confessing his sins to the priest, the man appeared truly ____ and asked for forgiveness.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The ____ criminal confessed his crimes to the priest and asked for forgiveness and guidance.